a__FA5606-19-Q-1008_-_Q_A--Sheet.pdf

Questions and Answers – Sheet – to RFQ FA5606-19-Q-1008

15 April 2019

Question 1:

The J&A does not state the technical requirement that requires Trimble brand name equipment is the only brand that can satisfy that requirement.

What specific technical requirement does the Trimble brand meet that cannot be satisfied by other commercial survey equipment?

Answer to Question 1:

Interoperability of all survey equipment, software, and hardware is cornerstone in meeting mission requirements. It has been proven previously that TAG equipment is not compatible with Trimble equipment. We have a report available stating equipment failure in areas of accuracy, dependability, communication and interoperability with our extensive inventory of Trimble equipment. This report cannot be made available to the general public because it is a document declared “For Official Use ONLY” within the Department of Defense. Switching brand names would force major purchases of auxiliary equipment, software, hardware, and training.

Question 2:

The J&A states that Trimble is the only company that sells the Trimble brand survey kit.

That is a circular statement that does not address the question of why this brand is the only brand.

What specifications are specific to the requirement that require only Trimble brand equipment?

Answer to Question 2:

The Justification does not state that Trimble is the only company that sells the brand Trimble. In fact, it is stated in Section D: Efforts to Obtain Competition “Market research has shown that there are several vendors able to provide competition in fulfilling this requirement. While Trimble is the only acceptable manufacturer, it is anticipated that adequate competition will be available.” Again, interoperability of all of our equipment in both a homestation and deployed environment is paramount. Additionally, the cost associated to switch out all equipment and software packages far exceed reasonable costs. Additionally, the School House at Ft Leonard Wood trains solely on Trimble Equipment. The cost associated with training enterprise wide 3E5 population far exceeds a reasonable cost.

Question 3:

The J&A mentions that this equipment is used OCONUS. As such, it is required to meet the CJCSI 6130.01 PNT Master Plan. According to CJCSI 6130.01 PNT Master Plan, SAASMS waivers are only granted by the DoD CIO and only on a temporary basis until suitable equipment that uses a SAASM receiver is available. Given that there are two vendors that offer GPS survey equipment that use SAASM receivers, TAG and Trimble, and that the equipment in question is being used in a combat support and/or combat service support missions, it is highly unlikely that a waiver would be granted, nor is it needed.

Does this procurement have a waiver for the Selective Availability Anti-spoofing Module (SAASM) requirement mandated by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Instruction CJCSI 6130.01, CJCS Master Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Plan (PNT Master Plan)?

Answer to Question 3:

CJCSI 6130.01F, Master Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Plan is the current requirement. At this time, the SAASM waiver mandate is not applicable to this equipment or career field based on the duties performed. We only perform Construction Surveying activities; not weapons delivery, target locations, fire support, etc. which are tasks requiring the waiver. Although this equipment resides overseas, it is utilized strictly on US Military installations as part of the homestation equipment package. This specific equipment will not being used in a combat situation.

Question 4:

Is there any documentation that you can provide from AFCEC that states Trimble is the only brand of approved survey equipment?

Answer to Question 4:

A portion of this purchase is for Survey Controllers. Survey Controllers need to be interoperable between GPS and optical equipment in order to be efficient and versatile in our mission capabilities. TAG does not specifically produce optical equipment and does not interface well when transversing between optical and GPS equipment as demonstrated at the 3E5 Schoolhouse. We have a report available stating equipment failure in areas of accuracy, dependability, communication and interoperability with our extensive inventory of Trimble equipment. This report cannot be made available to the general public because it is a document declared “For Official Use ONLY” within the Department of Defense. Additionally, I have attached a list of identified Authorized SAASM Manufacturers (Upload A). TAG is not included on the list of vendors.

Upload A: List of identified Authorized SAASM Manufacturers

Question 5:

I believe you will find that certain capabilities are approved and that multiple brands of commercial equipment, including Leica and TAG, meet or exceed those capabilities. The J&A also mentions training at the Technical Training Schoolhouse in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. TAG equipment, not Trimble, is currently used at the school house to train all engineering surveyors of all branches of the DoD. Any trained surveyor will know how to operate TAG, Trimble, or Leica brand equipment.

Answer to Question 5:

TAG equipment is not being utilized at the USAF 3E5 schoolhouse. We have an e-mail stating that from the Instructor Supervisor of Engineering Courses at Ft Leonard Wood, MO.

Question 6:

With reference to your solicitation FA5606-19-Q-1008, we would like to point out that the specified article number in Attachment 1 - Position 1 does not correspond to the article text. The number you mentioned refers to a device with internal 2.4 GHZ radio.

According to the solicitation, however, a device without GHZ radio is requested (Article No. TSC3-01-1022)

Answer to Question 6:

Attachment 1 Detailed Item Listing, Position 1, has been updated to reflect “with internal radio”.

Attachment 1—Revision 1 – Detailed Item Listing -- Controllers – Pos 1 changed.

Question 7:

In Attachment 1, Position 2, there is a new article number ex factory (82768-00).

Answer to Question 7:

We did not find evidence anywhere of the part number changing for Trimble TSC3 Accessory – Robotic Accessory Kit. When searching the internet and referring to previous correspondence with multiple Trimble vendors, all Robotic Accessory Kits have been referred to under Part Number 82769-00. Attachment 1, Position 2, was not changed.

Question 8:

In Attachment 2, Position 1 there is a follow-up model since 12 weeks.

It has a bigger processor and more satellites than its predecessor.

The official name for this is GNSS R10 Model 2.

Answer to Question 8:

We updated Attachment 2 reflecting the current Model 2.

Attachment 2—Revision 1 – Detailed Item Listing -- Equipment – Pos 1 changed

KARIN STERLING

Contract Specialist